Books Received
By V. G. Nair, Puran Chand Samsookha
Summary
The provided text is a summary of the final sections of a Jain hagiographic text detailing the life and teachings of Lord Parsvanatha, specifically focusing on his sermon on the four-fold dharma, his continued life journey, and his final nirvana. The subject of the text is the spiritual culmination of Parsvanatha, covering his exposition of dharma, the conversion of his family and followers, his miraculous journey, and his ultimate liberation. The main argument, presented in the author's own terms, is the depiction of Parsvanatha as a supreme spiritual leader whose teachings and presence brought about profound transformations and whose final nirvana was marked by divine intervention and veneration. The evidence and sources discussed include the sermon on the four-fold dharma, which is subdivided into charity (dana), virtue (sila), asceticism (tapak), and character (bhava). The text details the three kinds of charity: giving of knowledge (jnandana), bestowing security from fear (abhayadanda), and furnishing support to religion (dharmopastambhadana). The virtue (sila) is further classified into ten vratas for ascetics and twelve vratas for householders, alongside the difficult observance of brahmarupa, or avoidance of illicit attachment. The text also describes the miraculous journey of Parsvanatha, where nature and the elements were propitious to him, and his final asceticism on Sammeta mountain with thirty-three munis, leading to the destruction of his karma (ksinakarma). The sources cited are the life of Parsvanatha, specifically Sarga 7 and Sarga 8, which narrate the continued life and concluded life of the Lord. The text mentions the conversion of Parsva's father, King Asvasena, who made over his kingdom to his son Hastisena, and the taking of vows by Vamadevi (his mother) and Prabhavati (his wife), along with ten distinguished men including Aryadatta, who became heads of assemblies (Ganabhrt). The final nirvana is described with the gods bathing the body in the fluid of the ocean of milk, adorning it with divine ornaments, placing it on a pyre of sandal and aloe wood, and the erection of a jeweled stupa over his bones.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
The text illustrates the transformative power of Parsvanatha’s teachings, which successfully guided his family and prominent followers toward spiritual liberation. By expounding the four-fold dharma—charity, virtue, asceticism, and character—he prompted significant conversions, including his parents and wife, who renounced their royal status to embrace the ascetic path. This highlights the profound societal impact of his philosophical discourse and the establishment of a spiritual community. Furthermore, the narrative of Parsvanatha’s final journey and nirvana underscores the ultimate spiritual goal within the Jain tradition. His attainment of ksinakarma and subsequent deification by the gods, culminating in the erection of a jeweled stūpa, signifies the enduring legacy and sacredness of his life. The account serves as a foundational hagiographic text, reinforcing core Jain values and the revered status of the Tirthankara.